GBI investigating after man dies while in Barrow County Sheriff’s Office custody

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Once the GBI has completed its independent investigation, the case will be turned over to the Piedmont Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating the death of a suspect who was in the custody of the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office. According to a press release from the GBI, the agency has been asked by the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the death of Charles Williams, 30, after he was arrested Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, on charges of battery and cruelty to children.

The GBI report that at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, the Auburn Police Department transported Williams to the Barrow County Detention Center after he allegedly had a confrontation with another individual at 148 Greentree Drive in Auburn. Williams reportedly became combative when the police transport vehicle arrived at the detention center and, “once in the sally port of the jail, he began kicking the interior of the patrol vehicle.” He also managed to move his handcuffs from behind his back to his front. Attempts to talk him out of the vehicle allegedly were not successful and officers report he continued to be belligerent and fought with several deputies as they tried to remove him from the vehicle. A taser was used by a deputy in an attempt to gain control, but he allegedly continued to fight and resist. Deputies report that he was eventually subdued, but stopped breathing. Deputies began emergency medical treatment until EMS arrived, but he was pronounced dead after being transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

An autopsy was performed on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018 at the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur, the results of which are pending following further testing.